Roberto Mancini has been criticised for making a number of bit-part signings that have not made enough impact on the first team, and with an attacking overhaul expected this summer following Mario Balotelli's departure in January, a move for the former Udinese man has been touted.

According to reports, City, who are 12 points behind Manchester United in the title race, are not the only English side interested in his services with Liverpool also ready to enter the battle for his signature.

However, Serie A champions Juventus are also keen to add some more firepower to their squad having already secured the services of Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente on a free transfer.

The gifted attacker Chilean attacker had previously attracted the interest of Juventus back in 2011, but then opted to leave Udinese for Barcelona instead.

However, Sanchez has struggled to live up to the high expectations at the Blaugrana, and has found first-team starts difficult to come by.

He is therefore open to a move away from Camp Nou and may favour a return to Italy, where he will be allowed more tactical freedom, and the Bianconeri could launch a formal offer in the upcoming weeks.

Sanchez, who has a contract with Barcelona until June 2016, has netted four goals in 30 official appearances for the Catalan giants so far this term.